Project Griddle: The Versatile Art of Grilling on

From America's bestselling grilling authority, an essential guide to griddles, including delicious recipes and the dos and don'ts of grilling. Named one of Amazon's Best Cookbooks of the Year

Prized for their accessibility and versatility--and because they're so much fun to use--griddles (also known as planchas and flat-tops) are soaring in popularity. Project Griddle features the trademark Raichlen approach, with plenty of practical cooking techniques and nearly 80 hunger-inducing recipes. It traces the history and geography of griddling, from the teppan of Japan to the plancha of Spain to champa grilling in South America. A gear chapter showcases the various types of stand-up and portable flattops and planchas, plus the requisite accessories, how to season and maintain a griddle, how to oil and cook on it, with chefs' shortcuts, and some pitfalls to watch out for.

And then there are the recipes--each one as outrageously delicious and foolproof as the last, for classics like the crispiest smash burgers and tapas bar shrimp to an entire suite of heretofore un-grillable foods--egg-and-bacon breakfast feasts, potato latkes, crepes, French toast, and smoky fried rice. It's Project Smoke for griddles--and don't think of buying one without its guidance.